Citizens of Heaven

Citizens of Heaven

 

Philippians 3:15-21

 

Those who are really mature will have this mind.

 

aul had great trust in the ability of the Lord to deal with His own people. He didn’t have the attitude that if he failed to convince them, they would then never be convinced.

 

Paul would not allow a lack of understanding to excuse anyone from doing what he did know to be the Lord’s will. What we don’t know can never excuse us from failing to fulfill what we do know to do.

 

This is a call to unity (a unity of truth, against the potential division brought in by the legalists) that looks back to Philippians 2:1-2.

 

The problems of unity facing the Philippians did not spring from great problems with carnality as was the case with the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 3:1-4).

 

Rather it seemed to be a danger brought on by pressure, both from the outside (Philippians 1:27-30) and from the inside (Philippians 3:2). Paul wanted to make sure that this pressure pushed them together instead of driving them apart.

 

He knew that he was not a sinless or perfect example, yet he was still a good example. He could say as he also did in 1 Corinthians 11:1 – Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.

 

Likewise, we need strong role models in our churches today. Families and individuals.

 

Paul realizes that there are many who walk in a manner contrary to what he teaches. He regards these people as enemies of the cross of Christ.

 

These people were truly enemies of the cross of Christ, who did not want to follow Jesus by taking up His cross of self-denial (Matthew 16:24-26).

 

#1 Their destiny is destruction

 

#2 Their god is their stomach

 

#3 Their glory is in their shame

 

#4 Their mind is set on earthly things

 

Paul encourages that just as the Philippians could consider themselves citizens of Rome and were under Roman laws and customs

 

so Christians should consider themselves citizens of heaven.

 

#1 We have our home in heaven

 

#2 we are resident aliens on earth

 

#3 Foreigners are distinct in the land.

 

#4 Christians must be noticeably different.

 

We also have a certain character as citizens of heaven.

 

#1 As citizens we are under the government of heaven.

 

#2 As citizens we share in heaven’s honors.

 

#3 As citizens we have property rights in heaven.

 

#4 As citizens we enjoy the pleasures of heaven.

 

#5 As citizens of heaven we love heaven and feel attached there.

 

#6 As citizens of heaven we keep in communication with our native home.

 

Let us Pray:

 

Heavenly Father, Help us to mature in you. Help us to realize our role and position in this world and eternity. We pray that you will reveal to us that we might have mind like you.